Search - Beat Farmers :: Tales of the New West

Warning: This is the 12-track version

Edward Oconnell | Washington, DC | 01/26/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon may have corrected the songlist by the time you see this review, but for weeks leading up to its release, Amazon listed this reissue of the Beat Farmers' first record as featuring four bonus tracks from the "Glad N' Greasy" EP, which would have made for a nice 16-track compilation. Unfortunately, my copy arrived today with just the 12 tracks from the original incarnation of "Tales of the New West.""

Great Debut by Classic Band, with Extras

Frank A. Kocher | San Diego | 06/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The "Expanded" Tales is lightening in a bottle. This is the best music put out by the best American band to come out of the 1980's, period. This roots/rockabilly/protopunk group of San Diego music scene stalwarts were together for only two full-length discs and an EP, and here are most of the best cuts from all three. The late Buddy Blue, in particular, shines on such rockabilly gems as his 'Goldmine', 'Lonesome Hound', 'Lost Weekend', and the great 'Gun Sale at the Church', included in a demo version here that is as good as the version on the group's excellent 'Van Go' album. His singing and guitar licks are matched by Jerry Raney's harder rocking edge on 'Selfish Heart', and the wistful 'Where Do They Go'. This would be a must-have without the six cuts from the EP "Glad n Greasy", which include the superb Blue title cut, the best cover of Neil Young's 'Powderfinger' ever done, and two other great cuts, 'Delayed Reaction' and 'Death Train'. The late Country Dick Montana is in full, booming voice on cut after cut as well-his best moments being the hilarious 'California Kid' and 'Beat Generation'. The addition of several cuts from the group's live demo album at the end are cream on top of this prize. If you get this disc and don't come away convinced that Blue was one of the best rockabilly songwriters and slide guitarists of the time, Raney one of the rock guitarists ever, and Montana an all-time great entertainer, you need to look for your music soul."

Country Dickless but never forgotten

AntonSuga | Aliso Viejo, CA USA | 07/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1st song I heard was California Kid on a college radio station, took me weeks to find out who they were. That set the hook in me for good and have been a Beat Farmer Fan for 25 years. I have all the CDs and been to over a dozen concerts, not once let down. Just a damn good time when Dick was with us and tragically after we lost him too. Same with Buddy. Least we swtill have them with us in recordings, you won't be disappointed in the least. Every track rocks."